Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL) has revealed that the test flight has successfully landed at Hoarafushi Airport to begin nighttime flights.
The airport developed in Hoarafushi in Haa Alifu Atoll was opened in November 2020 and began operations. A Maldivian Dash-8 landed at the airport to inaugurate the nighttime flight services. A special ceremony was held to mark the occasion.
At the ceremony, Managing Director at RACL Mohamed Rizvi announced the upcoming launch of nighttime flights. He mentioned that the airport has transitioned to 24-hour operations to accommodate night flights. He also expressed the airport's plans to expand its services, train staff, and provide high-quality services to Hoarafushi with the introduction of night flights.
Moreover. President of Hoarafushi Island Council Ibrahim Waheed announced that nighttime flight services have made emergency travel possible. He also said plans have been made to internationalise the airport, create job opportunities, and facilitate development projects and transportation.
Hoarafushi Airport is the northernmost airport in the country. The national airline, Maldivian, and Manta Air are operating scheduled flights to the airport. RACL stated that 1,500 flights have carried more than 200,000 passengers and tons of cargo since the airport opened.
A total of four out of the six airports operated by RACL currently conduct night flights. They include airports in Hanimaadhoo and Kulhudhuffushi in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Faresmaathoda in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, and Fuvahmulah Airport.